Automatic signaling apparatus



'Jan. 27, 1942. H, E, MARSH Em 2,271,177

AUTOMATIC SIGNALINQ APPARATUS Filed Aug. 10, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l Snventor HOWARD E. NA 'RSH.

FRITZ ffo'fim woman Jan. 27, 1942. H, H r 2,271,177

AUTOMATIC SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 10, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet Suventor ffOWAED E MARSH.

jikzrz ffUHA/f (morn Patented Jan. 27, 1942 AUTOMATIC SIGNALING APPARATUS Howard E. Marsh and Fritz Huhn, Ventura, Calif.

Application August .10, 1940, Serial No. 352,130

17 Claims.

Our invention relates to an automatic signaling apparatus, particularly in combination with telephone circuits.

One of the principal objects of our invention is to provide a relatively simple signaling apparatus which may be readily connected in multiple in a telephone circuit without disturbin the ordinary operation of telephone communication or the telephone system.

In ordinary dial telephones having a perforated rotating member operating in association with the dial of the telephone, no electric or telephone connection is made when such rotating member is initially rotated the desired amount, but in which the desired connection is made when such member is returned to its original at-rest position. An important object of this invention is to providev a signaling apparatus in connection with the telephone system, having such a dial phone, or in which a dial telephone switch mechanism is utilized for connecting the signaling apparatus to the telephone system.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a sound-reproducing means in connection with a switch mechanism just described, and

in which the sound reproducing means is operated before the connection with the telephone system is made.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide a signaling apparatus in which the electrical connection with the telephone system is delayed a predetermined period after the operative connection of th sound-reproducing means.

A further important object of this invention is to provide a sound-reproducing means which assumes various positions with the operation of various switches or control devices, so that different sound records are reproduced with the operation of difierent switches or devices. 7

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a sound-reproducing device which has a multiplicity of needles which are separately shifted into position to cooperate with predeterof reference thereon, which form a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of our automatic signaling apparatus in one form with portions thereof construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and portions, as will be hereinafter described in detail and particularly set forth in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the characters of broken away to facilitate the illustration;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view thereof; Fig. 3 is an end elevational View thereof;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view, taken through 4-4 of Fig. 1, showing the pick-up supporting post;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the supporting post and mounting, and showing the cut-out switch in connection therewith;

Fig, 6 is a wiring diagram of our signaling apparatus in a simple form; and

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary wiring diagram showing the utilization of a dial phone switch mech anism.

Our automatic signaling apparatus for effecting a burglar or fire alarm is preferably selfcontained in a suitable housing and is connected to the telephone system, without alteration of the latter, and is also connected to suitable switches adjacent to or in connection with building or dwelling openings, such as doors and windows, and is also connected to suitable thermostatically operated switches distributed through the dwelling or other place in which our-signaling system is to be installed.

A simple wiring diagram of our apparatus is shown in Fig. 6. In this wiring diagram, the transmitting portion of the telephone line is indicated by I. In our apparatus is provided a switch 2 which is adapted to connect the apparatus in multiple to the transmitting line of the system. This switch 2 is automatically closed by means of an electromagnet or starter coil 3. The electromagnet 3 is located in two circuits. One of these circuits is closed by a switch 4 associated with and may be closed by the opening of a window or door 5. Th other circuit is closed by a thermostatic switch 6 which is adapted to be operated by excessive heat in the same building. Our signaling apparatus receives its energy from a battery 1 associated with the apparatus. When the electromagnet 3 is energized, a suitable mechanical means closes the switch 2, as will be more specifically described hereafter.

In s. 1, 2, and 3 we have shown our signaling apparatus enclosed in a housing or frame H. In this housing or frame is located a spring motor l2, having directly connected thereto a gear [3 which meshes with a pinion M. This pinion is mounted on a shaft l5 which extends above the housing and carries a turntable l6 at 3l which meshes with a gear 32.

is mounted near the "upper end of a shaft 33 switch mechanism 31.

its upper end. This turntable carries the sound producing record I! having a double sound track I! and Il which contain messages to the police department and fire department, respectively.

At the lower end of the spindle I5 is a gear !8 which meshes with a pinion IQ, mounted on a spindle 20. This spindle has a stop 26* which is preferably provided at the periphery of a disc 29*. This stop normally engages a lug 2P at the free end of the armature 2| which is pivotally mounted on the frame 22 carrying the starter electromagnet 3. When the electromagnet 3 is energized, the armature 2| is attracted, withdrawing the lug 2| from the path of the stop 221 thereby removing the obstruction from the operation of the train of gears which are actuated by the spring motor I2.

The armature 2| is provided at one side with a roller 23 which engages an inclined surfac 24 on the signal operating switch 2. When the armature 2! is attracted, the roller 23 causes the closing of the switch 2. This switch may connect the signaling apparatus to the telephone line where no dial phones are used. In dial telephonestructures, .as here disclosed, there ,is provided-a special telephone switch mechanism, as will be described-hereafter.

Near the upper end of the spindle i5 is a pinion The gear 32 which carries at its lower end a cam '34. At the lower portion of the housing is slidably mounted a 'trip 35 which normally assumes an outward locking position, as shown in the drawings. This trip may be in association with the switch 2 in a non-dial telephone system. In this instance,

the outer end of the trip has an upright portion 35 and an outwardly extending lug 35 which, when in its operative or locking position, in the structure shown, enters an opening Bii in the perforated dial member 36 ofthe telephone dial The lug 35 of the trip is adapted to be withdrawn when the spindle 33 is rotated counter-clockwise a portion of a revolution, in which case the cam 34 engages a shoulder 35 at the inner end of the trip 35. The

hole 36* in the perforated dial member is opposite the zero or the 0 (operator) designation in-the dial mechanism, which indicates an intended connection to the operator of the telephone system. But as long as the member 35 is held in its rotated position, as shown in Fig. 3, no connection will be made with the telephone system. When the lug 35 is withdrawn from the perforation in the perforated dial member, the latter is automatically rotated, in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 3, and the signaling apparatus is connected to the telephone system, and the operator called. When the operator is connected to the line, the latter hears reproduction of the sound from the sound track H or H", as will be described hereafter.

, .InFig. 7 we have shown a fragmentary portion of the wiring scheme of our apparatus, in which the automatic dial phone switch mechanism 3'! is employed. This switch mechanism includes switches38, 3e, and 453. 4B is anoscillating switch which opens and closes alternately to give dialing impulses or oscillations to cooperating mechanism (notshown) in thecentral office. Switch 39 is normally closed and remains so until the dial member, when released, is rotated the desired amount, thereby allowing the required number of impulses to be given to the main station through the oscillating switch 48. The latter nected by a wire 38* to one of the Wires of the telephone line. The stationary member of the switch 38 is connected by a wire 38 through the pick-up device to the other wire connected to the telephone line, the latter connection being through the switch 2. The stationary member of the switch 39 is connected to the switch 40, which is also connected to the telephone line through the switch 2. As the dial member 36 is released, the switch 40 oscillates and causes the current to now through the latter switch as above stated. In this manner, the signaling apparatus is set to call the central office of the telephone company.

The pick-up device, indicated by 4|, is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis at the upper end of the post 42, the axis extending transversely of the longitudinal extent of the pick-up device. The post is also pivotally mounted, intermediate its ends, on a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the pick-up device, the latter pivotal mounting being on bearing screws 43 supported near the upper end of a hollow on the upper wall I l of the housing I I.

The free end of the pick-up device 4| has separate pick-up needles 45 and 46, the former of which is normally in en agement with or rests in the sound grooves ll which contain the police message. When the pick-up device is rocked in its opposite position about the bearing screws 43, the pick-up needle 46 engages with the sound track portion ll". This pick-up carrying post 42 may be rocked from the normal into the latter position by an electromagnet 41 which is adapted to attract an armature 48 which is pivotally connected with thelower end of the post 42. The electromagnet 41 is connected in series with the electromagnet 3 by means of the thermostatic switch 6. When the switch 6 is closed, by eX- cessive heat in the building, the electromagnets 3 and 41 are energized, the latter tilting the pick up device for transmitting the messagefrom the sound track Il and the former electromagnet releasing the spring motor l2 for rotating the sound record.

The pick-up post 42 is swivelly mounted, that is, rotatable about its axis, and is carried about such vertical axis by the slight arcuate movement of the pick-up device, which, in turn, is caused to be so rotated by the respective needle travelling in the sound grooves of the record. When the needles are carried to the ends of their sound grooves, no further message can be transmitted to the telephone central ofilce, because the connection with the telephone system is then cut off. The post 42 is rotatably mounted on the tery, thereby demagnetizing the starter coil 3, the inclined surface on the switch 2 assisting the return of the armature to its normal extended position, thereby stopping the rotation of the motor, the opening of the switch 2 disconnecting the signaling apparatus from the telephone system.

Though we have shown and described a particular construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and portions of our automatic signaling apparatus, we do not wish to be limited to the same, but desire to include in the scope of our invention the construction, combination, and arrangement substantially as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a telephone dial switch mechanism in the circuit, said mechanism having a rotatable dial provided with manual means to facilitate the rotation thereof, resilient means tending to rotate the dial and close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means engaging the dial for holding the dial against rotation and thereby holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, and means for releasing the holding means.

2. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a normally open telephone switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to hold the switch mechanism in an initial open position, means for also holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, and means operated by said normally open telephone switch, when released by the releasing means, for closing the telephone circuit.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a telephone dial switch mechanism in the circuit, said mechanism having a rotatable dial provided with manual means to facilitate the rotation thereof, resilient means tending to rotate the dial and close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means engaging the dial for holding the dial against rotation and thereby holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, a motor, sound-reproducing means connected to the motor, and means in association with the motor, whereby the latter is operated, when the releasing means is operated.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a normally open telephone switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to hold the switch mechanism in an initial open position, means for also holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, means operated by said normally open telephone switch, when released by the releasing means, for closing the telephone circuit, a motor, sound-reproducing means connected to the motor, and means in association with a motor, whereby the latter is operated, when the releasing means is operated.

5. In an apparatus of the class described,'the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily, in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, a motor, sound-reproducing means connected to the motor, means in operative association with the releasing means whereby the motor is operated, a second means for also releasing the holding means, and means in connection with the second releasing means for shifting the sound-reproducing means.

6.- In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a normally open telephone switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to hold the switch mechanism in an initial open position, means for also holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, means operated by said normally open telephone switch, when released by the releasing means, for closing the telephone circuit, a motor, sound-reproducing means connected to the motor, means in operative association with the releasing means, whereby the motor is operated, a second means for also releasing the holding means, andmeans in connection with the second releasing. means for shifting the sound-reproducing means.

7. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resile ient means, means for releasing the holding means, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means in operative association with the releasing means whereby the records are operated, a multiple sound-reproducing means, one of the latter being in initial association with one of the sound records, a second means for also releasing the holding means, and means in association with the second releasing means for shifting another of the soundreproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a normally open telephone switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to hold the switch mechanism in an initial open position, means for also holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, means operated by said normally open telephone switch, when released by the releasing means, forclosing the telephone circuit, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means in operative association with the releasing means whereby the records are operated, a multiple sound-reproducing means, one of the latter being in initial association with one of the sound records, a second means for also releasing the holding means, and means in association with the second releasing means for shifting another of the sound-reproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, means ;for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means in operative association with the releasing means whereby the records are operated, a sound-reproducing means normally cooperating with one of the sound records, a second means for also releasing the holding means, and means in association with the second releasing means for shifting said sound-reproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, a resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, a motor, sound-reproducing means con nected to the motor, means for initiating the operation of the motor, means operated by the latter means for releasing the holding means, a second means for also initiating the operation of the motor, and means in connection with the second means for shifting the sound-reproducing means.

11. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, a resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means for initiating the operation of the motor, means operated by the latter means for releasing the holding means, a multiple sound-reproducing means, one of the latter being in initial association with one of the latter sound records, a second means for initiating the operation of the motor, and means in association with the second means for shifting another of the sound-reproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

12. In an apparatus of the class described, the

combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, a resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means for initiating the operation of the motor, means operated by the latter-means for releasing the holding means, a sound-reproducing means normally in cooperation with one of the latter sound records, a second means for initiating the operation of the motor, and means in association with the second means for shifting said sound-reproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of sound records, a motor for operating the same, means in association with the motor whereby the operation of the latteris initiated, a multiple sound-reproducing means, one of the latter being normally in association with one of the sound records, a second means whereby the operation of the motor is initiated, and means in association with the second means for shifting another of the sound-reproducing means to cooperate with another sound record.

14. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to close the switch mechanism, and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, a motor, sound-reproducing means connected to the motor, means for initiating the operation of the motor, means for releasing the holding means, and time means in association with the motor whereby the releasing means is operated a predetermined period after the soundreproducing means is operated.

15. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a normally open telephone switch mechanism in the circuit, resilient means tending to hold the switch mechanism in an initial open position, means for also holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, a motor, soundreproducing means connected to the motor, means for initiating the operation of the motor, means for releasing the holding means, means operated by said normally open telephone switch, when released by the releasing means, for closing the telephone circuit, and time means in association with the motor whereby the releasing means is operated a predetermined period after the sound-reproducing means is operated.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, having a telephone transmitter and receiver, of a signalling mechanism connected to the circuit, said mechanism comprising a switch, resilient means tending to close the switch and thereby to close the telephone circuit, means for holding the switch temporarily in an open position against the resilient closing force of the resilient means, means for releasing the holding means, and a sound-reproducing means in operative association with the releasing means.

17. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a telephone circuit, of a telephone dial mechanism in the circuit, said mechanism having a rotatable .dial provided with manual means to facilitate the rotation thereof in one direction, resilient means tending to rotate the dial in the direction opposite to the direction of manual rotation, and thereby to close the switch mechanism and the telephone circuit, means engaging the dial after the same is manually rotated for holding the dial against rotation and thereby holding the switch mechanism temporarily in an open position against the resilient force of the resilient means, and means for reeasing the holding means.

HOWARD E. MARSH. FRITZ HUI-IN. 

